As a member of the NZPGA, from time-to-time, there are presentations from various leaders in various fields.
Last night we had a session with Jim Rohrstaff, Managing Director Te Arai Links. To put it simply, Jim opens and manages high-end golf facilities.
Jim is a friendly and relaxed American who is clearly at the top of his game. He had some great insights into the service industry and how we could apply those to our individual businesses.
After the session I got to thinking. Never a good thing late at night but it is what it is. While Jim and other Americans in the industry I have met have a refined practice around service and golf in general, New Zealand golf pros are just as good. Yes, perhaps some of the service aspects of golf in NZ might need some sharpening but the minds we have in this game and in this funny little country are some of the best.
Thinking back to the All Blacks v Ireland game on Sunday, Kiwis made up a fair chunk of both teams. Three of the Irish backline were born in NZ. We are a sports mad nation and golf is no different.
Our PGA professionals are some of the best there are. With some promotion, both self and otherwise, I think we could be world renowned. I think the world is a smaller place thanks to technology and our capabilities can reach farther then ever before. And, to be fair, some of the pros are getting to that stage. Innovation is what Kiwis have always been good at.
I’m excited for the future of golf in NZ. We have a lot to offer and give to the game and its players. With a little sharpening we can become a must-do golf destination for playing and learning the game.
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